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Richard Dreher Obituary

DREHER

Richard C.



On March 4, 2013, a beautiful soul passed to his next life. Richard Dreher, 96, has reunited with his great love of 75 years, Gracie. Richard will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him, especially his family.

One of six siblings, Richard was born in Toledo on July 22, l916, to Fred and Catherine Dreher. Three of his ninety-year-old plus siblings survive him, brother, Harold; sisters, Margie Stirling and Elaine Venier. Sister, Irene Keith and brother, Henry predeceased, as well as his beloved Gracie. Also left to cherish his memory are sons, Dennis (Connie) and Douglas (Carol); grandchildren, Michele Myles, and Spencer, Stacey, and Krissy Dreher; as well as five great-grandchildren, Jai, Janu, Ryan, Andrew and Lijah.

Richard graduated from Scott HS in 1934 where he captained the football team earning All City honors. He excelled in industrial arts and engineering which would shape the rest of his life. He had to pass on a scholarship to Toledo University to help support his family. During the Depression, he worked in a cabinet shop, as an athletic instructor at Auburndale Elementary, at Swayne Field chasing down foul balls (one he had signed by Walter Johnson) and as head usher at the Avalon Theatre. Two noteworthy events occurred at the Avalon; he talked a man, intending to rob the theatre, out of his gun, and he met Grace Mercereau, his future wife.

In February, 1941, Richard enlisted in the Army Air Force. Upon completing basic training at Kelly Field in San Antonio and graduating with honors from the Flying Fortress School in Seattle, he returned home to marry Gracie. They spent his military career together in Phoenix and Roswell. He refused the offer to enter officer's training school and left the Service as staff sergeant in 1945.

Richard opened his own cabinet shop with intentions to start a garage building company, as there was none in Toledo. However, he was never a financial risk taker and didn't want to spend long hours away from his family. He was hired by Comte construction and soon became their lead superintendent. He built many churches in the area with his crowning achievement being the construction of Gesu Church in 1958. Richard continued his 30 year supervision career with Ruihley and Kuerten, Bostleman and retired from The Douglas Company. Richard was never a "leisure suit" superintendent. He could often be found wheeling concrete or having lunch on a nail keg with the rest of the workers. In 2005, he was awarded a "gold union card" for fifty years of continuous membership from the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.

Richard's life was never one dimensional nor did he allow less than his best effort in any of his endeavors. He was president of Wernert PTA and the Whitmer Athletic Boosters and on the West Toledo YMCA Board, where he helped start the "Y" dances in the late 1950's, organized the Christmas tree sale to provide memberships for needy children, restored buildings at Camp Storer, and served as a delegate at the International Y's Men's conferences in Europe.

Many local charities are well aware of Richard's tireless work. In 1993, he was awarded the JC Penney's "Gold Rule" award and received a letter of commendation from the White House. He was nominated several times for volunteer of the year. He spent countless hours working at, to name a few, Mobile Market, Northwest Ohio Rehabilitation Center, Epilepsy Foundation, Luther Home of Mercy and Wildwood Metro Park. In his spare time he transported "old" people to various appointments.

Richard found time to be an award winning gardener and working with Ohio State University. He raised everything from rabbits and chickens to fruit trees, grapes and nearly every imaginable vegetable. By 1990 he began supplying local markets with his perfect raspberries. His garden led to his making his own wine, which won state awards.

In his "spare" time, Richard hooked rugs, did wood crafts, made various Christmas decorations and numerous other crafts.

In 2002, when Gracie's health began to fail, they moved to Alexis Gardens retirement apartments. He lost his beloved several months later. Often called the "Mayor of Alexis Gardens," Richard continued his volunteer ethic by making repairs, assembling furniture, serving tea, gardening and making perspective residents feel welcome.

Friends may pay their respects at Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary, 3815 Sylvania Ave. on Sunday, March 10, 2013, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Monday, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Arthritis Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the West Toledo YMCA. Online condolences may be left for the family at

www.fothdorfmeyer.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Dreher

Not sure what to say?





Richard Geisland

May 10, 2014

We just learned of Dick's passing. He was the Best of the Best. An All American.
Dick & Dottie Geisland

Marci Caryer

April 3, 2013

Dreher family-
I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was an amazing man that truly changed the life of others for the better. He was the best part of my work day, and he is greatly missed!

March 20, 2013

Doug and Denny,

I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I remember him at the back door, coming to see how my Dad's wine was coming along--and doing some comparative tasting. He was a lovely man and I know you all will miss him greatly.

Karen VanOrman Roberts
London, Oh

March 16, 2013

Denny and Doug and families - I was so sorry to hear that you have lost your Dad, Grandpa and Great grandpa. I have great memories of both him and your Mom. He must be the last of the old Rowland gang. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol (Gray) Lashway

Beth Ervin-Bedra

March 13, 2013

Mr Dreher,
I was sorry to read of the passing of your father. While I never met him, it appears he had a love of life and people.

James Marihugh

March 12, 2013

I am James Marihugh, the son of Mildred Greiner Marihugh of Defiance, Ohio. This note is for Marjorie, Harold (Dick), Elaine, Denny, Doug and famiies
I am sorry that I did not get to see each of you personally, but I have been out of town the last couple of days.
When I was four or five, Rich took me to the Avalon theater where he worked at the time. He had me wait in the theater lobby while he attended to some of his work. Another worker put me outside several times as I was waiting for Rich. I was afraid of being in the big city of Toleto because I came from the small town of Defiance, Ohio. I have no idea what the movie was about, but I know I was scared.
I am retired from AEP corporation after 35 years. I always liked to be in Richard's presence. He was always happy, and I enjoyed listening to his life stories.

Casey Hawk

March 10, 2013

I knew Richard growing up through my father. I remember at a young age coming over on Christmas or him busy in the shop or yard. He was definitely a jack of all trades. I hadn't seen him in over 15 years but he still has left a quite an impression on me today. It would have been something for me to know him as a grown man. He was a very kind person, hard worker, and great humanitarian. People aren't like that today...definitely a member of "The Greatest Generation".

Tonight my mother told me about his passing, sorry for your (and all of our) loss. May he rest in peace.

Jules Schwartz

March 10, 2013

The life of Richard Dreher represents a humble man of great accomplishments regarding technical abilities, athletics, commitment to others, patriotism, work ethics, and charitable deeds; and such a combination identifies someone of great character who is a magnificent role model.

March 10, 2013

Denny, Doug and your Families,
You men and your Mom and Dad were just about the best part of growing up on Rowland Rd.
While we were all fortunate to have some really fine neighbors there, it was your home and Dad that were extra special. So many memories, all of you made us neighbor kids of all ages feel welcome in your home.
Dave Osinski
Bellingham, WA

Sherri Moser

March 10, 2013

I met your father at Alexis Gardens and saw his kindness for others when vising my mother (Lucille) that is so beautifully described in the Blade article. Sending prayers of comfort to all.

Rick Thomsen

March 10, 2013

Denny and Doug,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I was blessed to have him as a neighbor and friend all these years. Your dad taught me many "life lessons" as we were growing up, he was truly a great man. One night when I was 10 or 11yrs old he asked me if I would help move one of his bee-hives telling me "don't worry, bee's put their stingers away at night" He had me hold this piece of wood that didn't quite cover the slot. Long story short I got stung, and from that day on when ever he would say anything I might question, I'd say " yeah and bees put their stingers away at night" we always had a great laugh over that.

Robin Dreher-Boose and family

March 10, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to your family.

March 9, 2013

Denny, Thinking back on your Dad and all the things he did for us kids. Taking us to the show, Boy Scout Leader, spending time with all of the kids. He was a great man and he will be missed. I am very sorry for your loss. Joel and Barb Weber

March 9, 2013

Denny,
I was sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Marsine Martin

March 9, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Dreher,
So sorry to hear you your father's passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti Travis

Janine Williams

March 8, 2013

Denny, Doug and Families,
I have fond memories of swinging at the Dreher's and talking to Mr & Mrs Dreher. They always had a smile and took the time to talk to the neighborhood kids. My prayers are with you all during this time. They will be missed.
Janine (Osinski) Williams

Mike & Diane

March 8, 2013

He lived a beautiful life and we know you will miss him terribly. We remember the delicious raspberries he shared with us. Richard was a good man who spent his days sharing his love of life with others.

March 8, 2013

Mr. Denny Dreher, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Peace to you and your family. Patt Spalding-Watkins, DHS class of 1975

March 8, 2013

Denny, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Just want you to know we're all thinking about you and your family. Hope to see you soon, Alice

Tom Osinski

March 8, 2013

I was the Dreher's Blade carrier for years and I don't think I ever saw Mr Dreher sitting still. He would always wave from the garage or from his grape arbor with a smile on his face. They were very nice people. Please accept my condolences.
Tom Osinski

Jeff Coutcher

March 8, 2013

Denny, Connie, Stacy, and Spence, though I never met your father/Grand Father, I do remember the pride when you would speak of him or tell me about his gardens. I am so very sorry for your loss. God Bless you.

joe giannetti

March 8, 2013

Denny and family,
I am sorry to read of your father's passing - he was a wonderful person. As you know we became good friends and I'll never forget his on going kindness to my mother - she, too, thought the world of him. I had not heard him referred to as "the mayor of Alexis Gardens" but based on my experience, and as I often told him, he should have been on the payroll.
He was a great guy and you have our deepest sympathy.

Rob Krohn

March 7, 2013

Just about every time I walked out the front door of my parents' home I would be greeted with a hearty "Hello Robbie" from Richard. I've walked out that door many times the past few years, and each time I'd expect to hear him yell my name. He was a great neighbor, a great friend to my entire family, and will be deeply missed. My condolences to the entire Dreher family. We all feel the loss, and share with you in this time of grieving.

- Rob, Amy, Alex and Addie Krohn

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